Becoming a mom has been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences in my life. The excitement, the challenges, and the overwhelming love I feel for my son are things you can’t quite prepare for. But as both a new mom and an Estate Planning attorney, I’ve realized that there’s one thing (which isn’t discussed nearly enough) that is so crucial to my baby’s future—Estate Planning.
When my husband and I brought our son home, like many new parents, we were busy adjusting to our new roles, dealing with sleepless nights, and figuring out how to juggle it all. The last thing on my mind was personal, legal documents. But as we started thinking about our son’s future, I knew that as a mother and a professional in the legal field, we had to get our Estate Plan in order.
This post is a mix of personal experience and professional advice. I’ll walk you through why Estate Planning is so important for new parents and how you can get started with simple, straightforward steps. Trust me—it’s not as overwhelming as it sounds!
Why Estate Planning Became a Personal Priority for Me (And Why It Should for You Too)
The moment I became a mom, my world completely changed. My focus shifted from “me” to “my baby.” I became hyper-aware of how vulnerable our family could be in the event that something unexpected happened. As an Estate Planning attorney, I already knew the importance of having a Will and Healthcare Directives in place, but as a new mom, it hit differently.
Estate Planning isn’t about planning for the worst—it’s about preparing for the unknown and ensuring that your child’s future is protected, no matter what happens. It was the responsibility of my husband and I to make sure that if something were to happen to us, our son and family would be cared for in the way we would want (not what a Court would decide!).
Whether you’re a new mom, a first-time parent, or a mom of multiple kids, Estate Planning is essential. And if you’re like me, you may want to ensure that your child’s future is secure, while also keeping the process as simple as possible (yes, as an Estate Planning attorney, the last thing I wanted to deal with was complicating my personal life with legal work).
The Key Estate Planning Documents Every New Parent Needs (Including Me)
- A Will
As both a new parent and an Estate Planning attorney, I can tell you that creating a Will is the first thing you should do. The most important decision in your Will is choosing a guardian for your child. It’s not easy—no one wants to think about the possibility of something happening to them—but this decision is so important. Your Will also addresses how you want your assets to be distributed, ensuring that your child is financially covered. - Trusts
While not every new parent may need a Trust, I strongly recommend it. Trusts help you manage and protect your assets and allow you to make more specific plans for how your child will be cared for. A Revocable Living Trust can ensure that your assets avoid the lengthy probate process, which means your family can access them faster. It also allows you to set terms for how and when your child will inherit assets. Trusts give you control, and that’s something every parent deserves. - Medical Power of Attorney
This was one of the first things I completed after bringing my baby home. As a mom, I wanted to be sure that my husband—or another trusted person that I chose—could make medical decisions for me if I were ever incapacitated. A Medical Power of Attorney ensures that someone can make decisions on your behalf regarding your health, which is especially important when you’re balancing the health of your newborn and yourself. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in protecting your family. - Life Insurance
It’s hard to think about, but life insurance was a crucial step for my husband and I as new parents. As an Estate Planning attorney, I understand that life insurance is an essential way to provide financial security for your family and should be included in your Estate Plan. By putting your life insurance into a Trust, you are ensuring that if something happens to you, your child has the funds they need for future education, housing, and basic needs – and the funds are used the way you want. When I reviewed my policy, I made sure that the coverage would support my baby’s future, even if I wasn’t around.
How I Took the First Steps in Estate Planning (And How You Can Too)
Being a new mom while also an Estate Planning attorney helped me understand both sides of the equation: the emotional pull of protecting your family and the legal steps needed to do so. Here’s how I got started, and how you can too:
- Step 1: Consult an Estate Planning Attorney
I am an Estate Planning attorney. However, because I was on maternity leave (and desperately lacked sleep with a newborn), my law partner, Jazzy, created our Estate Plan. Even as an estate planner, I know it is important to consult an expert attorney to draft your documents, who isn’t personally involved. It’s easy to overlook things when you’re in the thick of motherhood, so getting professional help is always a good idea. - Step 2: Take Inventory of Your Assets
The first thing I did was sit down and list everything—my house, savings, investments, life insurance, and even my sentimental items. Knowing exactly what you have helps you understand what you need to protect and pass onto your child. It doesn’t take long, but it’s a great starting point. - Step 3: Choose a Guardian for Your Child
This is the toughest decision I had to make. But as a parent, you’ll want to pick someone who shares your values and who you trust to raise your child as you would. My husband and I discussed this decision with our chosen guardian to make sure they were ready for the responsibility. It’s a hard conversation to have, but it’s essential. You want peace of mind knowing that your baby will be cared for by someone you trust if the worst were to happen. - Step 4: Review and Update Regularly
As a new parent, your life is changing constantly. The first year of parenthood alone brings about so many changes, so I make it a point to revisit my Estate Plan annually. Any major life event—like having another child, changing jobs, or buying a new home—should trigger a review of your Estate Plan.
As both a new mom and an Estate Planning attorney, I can confidently say that creating an Estate Plan was one of the best decisions I made for my family. It’s not about worrying about the worst—it’s about giving yourself and your loved ones peace of mind knowing that everything is taken care of.
Don’t wait until tomorrow to get started. If you’re ready to protect your child’s future and make sure that your family is taken care of, I encourage you to reach out to Schedule a Free Consultation with an Estate Planning attorney today. It’s easier than you think, and it’s one of the most important steps you can take as a new mom.
Take Action: Start Your Estate Plan Now—You’ve Got This!
The process may feel overwhelming at first, but once you take that first step, it becomes manageable. And I promise, the peace of mind you’ll feel knowing your family is protected will be worth it.
